The Princess and the E.L.F.

8:40 AM Unknown 0 Comments


 I was looking at old pictures and I ran into a picture of my friend Dana all dolled up.  I got to thinking how much I was missing my little princess.  My bestie left the Windy City to continue her education.  I couldn't be prouder of her.  In life sometime you have to take a leap of faith.  And that's just what she did.  When a friend makes a bold move like that it makes a person take a long look at themselves.  She has been a huge supporter of mine since I started blogging.  I love her so much for being there for me when I at times felt alone.  I reflect on our friendship and I can't help but to think about how I have added to the growth I see in her.

I remeber when all she would wear was hoodies with her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.  Me being super girlie that wasn't going to fly.  I slowly worn her down and I got her in her first dress since maybe prom, lol.  


Fast forward four years and she's really come into her own.  My friend is naturally beautiful.  With or without makeup she's hands down gorgeous.  However a little something sometimes doesnt hurt anyone.  From the first time we sat down and she let me put some of my favorite e.l.f. products on her she's been a fan.  


She sent me this picture and I had to pat myself on the back, lol.  I got her a few e.l.f. products for her birthday and she used them to get selfie ready.  In the above picture of her she's wearing e.l.f. Studio Blush Light Palette on her cheeks.  I also gave her e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set.  She's using it to set the e.l.f. Essential Sunkissed Glow Bronzer.  I added some brushes to her little gift bag.  She got the e.l.f. Essential Eyeliner Brush,  e.l.f. Essential Eyelash & Brow Wand, the e.l.f. Essential Bronzing Brush and lastly e.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush.  I didn't have to break the bank on the e.l.f. gift set I put together.  Most of their items are $1 to  $2 dollars.  You can't beat the price because e.l.f. has some ready got products.  Which was great because we went to Toronto for her birthday.  That trip was amazing read the blog post all about it here -> Traveling While Fat | Toronto. 


1) e.l.f. Studio 85-Piece Complete the Look Palette - Limited Edition Complete The Look Palette
2) e.l.f. Essential Dramatic Lash Kit Dramatic Lash Kit-Black
3) e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set Clear
4) e.l.f. Essential Sunkissed Glow Bronzer Warm Tan
5) e.l.f. Studio Blush Palette Light
6) e.l.f. Studio Small Angled Brush
7) e.l.f. Essential Foundation Brush
8) e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths
9) e.l.f. Essential Concealer Brush
10) e.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush

I've include included two free shipping code with no minimum purchase required below.  


The first code is good starting Wednesday SHIP4FREE! VALID 8/26 - 8/31/15 but for those who are like me and can't wait use code SHIP4FREE good for today 8/25 only.  
Happy shopping! 

 I probably should stop calling her princess when she's clearly a queen.  Our last event together before she left was the Erykah Badu concert at the Taste of Chicago.  It was such fun ->  My winning story | The Illinois Lottery Erykah Badu Concert.  I'm really going to miss my guaranteed plus 1, lol. 




0 comments:

Fanny Pack | #MIAFESTIVAL

5:48 PM Unknown 1 Comments

I'm going to "Made In America" in less than two weeks and I'm super excited.  Budweiser Made In America Festival is a two day outdoor music festival that Jay Z personally curates the eclectic mix of artists.  It will be held in Philadelphia Labor day weekend.  Accompanying me is my good friend Shay.  She's never been to a music fest like this before.  She asked me what I was bringing.  One thing I said was a fanny pack.  She chuckled "Fanny pack."  I then explained to her why fanny packs are great for outdoor events.  Then she asked my where she could get a fashionable one.  
I have a studded leather one that I use, but I told her I would round up a few cute ones and shoot her a list.  I got to thinking my people might like this info also, so here we are chatting about these handsfree bags.  
I like fanny packs for events like this because they allow you to carry everything securely in front of you.  In large crowds purses and wallets aren't the best place to have your ID, cash, credit cards or keys.  Festivals like this are a pickpocketer's dream.  You're all into the music, taking selfies and having a cocktail or two and they've bumped into you & robbed you blind.  You're none the wiser until you're trying to pay for the round.  





Herschel is known for producing great bags.  Their items are stylish and sturdy.  Goldtone zip hardware with leather trim fronts a smart belt bag perfectly sized for vacations or a walk around the city. This durable and compact style can be worn slung over your shoulder or secured around your waist for hands-free convenience.
Herschel Supply Co. 'Fifteen' Belt Bag








Pictures are a must at an event like this so this bag is great with all the pocket.  It's durable, weather-resistant tech materials ensure intrepid reliability in a smart photography bag designed for organized storage and convenience





Y'all know I love a novelty bag.  Labor day weekend requires 
you to wear something red, white & blue.  
It's in the constitution, lol.  You can be all kinds of patriotic with this fanny pack.


Juicy Couture is the go to for a girlie girl.  Keep your hands free while you're on the go with this Juicy Couture fanny pack. In black. It's made of faux leather with gold-tone hardware

Van's 100% Polyester canvas outer bag is festival ready with the floral print.  It come's with adjustable buckle strap and zip lid opening.  

















I hope this helps those that are going to an outdoor event before the Summer is over.  For those of who want to follow all my Made In America activity I'll be in the city of brotherly love from September fourth to the seventh.  You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.  I'll try to Snapchat & Periscope (@FatGirl_Fashion) as much as possible, but the way my phone company's service is set up we'll have to see on that, lol.  

The main act I'm going to see is Beyoncé but I do want to see of the other performers.  
Here's the full lineup 

Beyoncé - The Weeknd - J. Cole - Bassnectar
Modest Mouse - Death Cab For Cutie
Axwell & Ingrosso - Meek Mill - Big Sean - Santigold
Future- Banks - Halsey - Action Bronson
Earl Sweatshirt - Vic Mensa - DJ Mustard - Duke Dumont
A-Trak - Nick Jonas - Metric - De La Soul
G-Eazy - GTA- Cedric Gervais - Claude Vonstroke
Fabolous - Ryan Hemsworth - Burns - Botnek
Aeroplane - Jacob Plant - Saint Motel - Young Rising Sons
Grits & Biscuits - The Struts - Flatbush Zombies
Lola Wolf - Creepoid - Superheaven - Hop Along 
Waxahatchee - Strand Of Oaks - Remy Banks - Mick Jenkins  
Marian Hill - Post Malone - Mayaeni- Bas - Cozz -Omen

If there's anyone that you'd like to see hit me up on Twitter @FatGirl_Fashion and I'll try to make my viewing lineup list based on the top requests.  If you're going @ me on twitter, we can link up for an usie, lol be serious! 

1 comments:

National Lemonade Day

7:00 AM Unknown 0 Comments


I saw this gorgeous MilanBlocks Women's Woven Patten Lemons Straw Cross Body Beach Handbag
 and was thinking how cute.  You all know I have a real love for novelty purses.  So this little cutie made my heart skip a beat.  I was online looking for a lemonade recipe for National Lemonade Day but after seeing the purse I found myself on Polyvore making a set.  I have also posted this to my fashion board on Pinterest.  I purchased a new computer so I'll be doing more fashion boards so be sure to follow me on both.  

 
Must of the time when I'm putting a look today I start with the accessories.  Being a plus size girl my whole life often time that only things that would fit were accessories.  The star of my outfits for a long time have been my purses.  This post was no different.  To play off the yellow I went with a solid green dress.  This Asos Curves Maxi Dress with Tie Front paired great with this fun summer bag.  I want the purse to be the focal point so I stayed with that same color with the shoes as well.  The Ted Baker Suede Strappy Sandals were a prefect color match for the dress.  I would keep the jewelry to a minimum so again let the purse great all the attention.  



Equal Lemonade Recipe

 So we now have a great look for June 20th aka National Lemonade Day.  But what's National Lemonade Day without a great lemonade recipe? Nothing right!  I've include below a great low calorie lemonade recipe perfect for a hot summer day like today.  A refreshing drink that is high on flavor, but low in sugar thanks to Equal® sweetener.  Yes, you'll get all the flavor of fruit without the calories from sugar.





Ingredients 

7 cups of Water 

1 cup of lemon juice

1 cup Equal sweetener

ice cubes 

fresh mint, optional 


Preparation

Combine all ingredients except mint. Stir until Equal® is dissolved.

Serve over ice, garnishing each glass with fresh mint, if desired and enjoy!







0 comments:

Malibu Rum X Refinery29 Chicago Beach House Party

12:21 PM Unknown 0 Comments


When Malibu Rum and Refinery29 invite you to a party of course you attend.  And I'm so glad I did.  They turned a three story townhouse in the Bucktown area on the Northwest side of Chicago into a beach house for a day. Of course there was food, drinks, music and did I say drinks.  

Malibu Rum and Refinery29 have been throwing parties like this in several cities.  They've partied in Santa Cruz, Miami, Venice Beach, Minnesota, Providence, Montauk, Dallas just to name a few.  


Saturday’s party was  day one of two days worth of events they are having in Chicago.  The first of the two was a success.  Walking up I know the event was going to be nice.  Entering the beautiful home I was led right to the kitchen/bar counter first.  There were Malibu Rum specialty drinks to chose from.  This was a Publican Quality Meats carted event.   They treated us to a delicious Butcher’s selection of both meat and cheese with accouterments.  In the back yard Publican Quality Meats grilled up some right size summer foods.  They offered up their version of Elotes (Mexican street corn) with shishto pepper, feta and za’atar aoli.  Grilled carrots which included a creamy herb dressing with dill and pecan. They brought it all home with jalapeño cheddar bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and dijon mustard on a hoagie roll.  






The beach themed party allow me to wear some pieces I've been wanting to debut.  The GabiFresh X Swimsuits For All  GabiFresh x SwimSexy 2015 | Gabifresh I worn the pne piece {Sold out in all sizes} comes with underwire molded cup bra.  It has removable straps.  The powermesh tummy-control front panel instantly slims.  I love it!  I wish I would have worn it sooner but Chicago weather hasn't been the best.  I've been to the beach only one time this year for my friend's party. Read about all that fun here 711 Party.

I paired it with my cover up from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target capsule.  Yes! This is my first time wearing it after all I went though to get it -> I survived.  The yellow and white Satin Kimono in Pineapple Punch was an idea color play with the deep green in my swimsuit.  Topped with my Forever 21 shorts.  I also went with my go to hot pink Bestey Johnson clutch and gold sandals.   



They had Chicago based DJ Matt Roan rocking the party and clearly all the guest had a blast!


                                          





In honor of the Malibu Rum party I've include a drink recipe.  When you try it be sure to tag me in the pictures.  
                                                  

Pour malibu rum and curacao into a cocktail glass. Add by pouring down the side of the glass, in order; orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. Serve.
15% (30 proof) Serve in: Cocktail Glass

As always drink responsibly. 

Me pictured with fellow Windy City Bloggers
TotallyTot, DuffyDossier & EngineeringStyle

Use the hashtag #MalibuBSE on social media to see all the fun


0 comments:

Goddess And The Baker

6:21 PM Unknown 0 Comments





While roaming the downtown streets of Chicago in search of a good meal & wifi I stumbled upon what could be called the kitchen of a modern day urban princess "Goddess And The Baker.”  It’s the cutest little eatery you’ll ever see.  Located at 33 S Wabash Ave. in Chicago it's a gem in this concrete jungle.  If you focus on all the construction happening just above on the Wabash train station.  You just might miss this little slice of heaven.  The Goddess and The Baker on Wabash opened a short 4 months ago.  It’s a spin off from Debra Sharpe's,  Goddess and Grocer.  It’s my new happy place. 



Goddess and The Baker offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, with dessert served all day.  When entering you get the feel of a New York deli with their lunch counter look.  The menu offers beer and wine along with craft coffee by some featured roaster like Metropolis, Stumptown, Colectivo, Metric & Dark Matter.  They have specialty teas as well.  The Goddess serves up salads and made-to-order sandwiches.
The locations main focus is on pastries and sweets.  I’m told they are famous for their layered rainbow cakes.  They have fruit tarts, customs cookies, lemon bars and many other treats to please your sweet tooth.  What put a smile on my face was the gelato from Zarlengo.
If you can’t make it down to the Wabash location they also have a locations in the Gold Coast, and O’Hare’s International Terminal 5.  They can also be found at Navy Pier, which I’ll be stopping by this weekend.  *Does happy dance*  






A few things to note about Goddess And The Baker they have a loyalty program that you’ll need to sign up for online.  So check out their website goddessandthebaker.com and sign up before heading over there.  They can be found on social media under goddessbaker  because who can eat without posting their meal, lol. They have a sister company called The Goddess And Grocer where it all started.  The Goddess also does catering under the Goddess Rocks Catering.  They fed the likes of Aerosmith, Jay-Z, and Fleetwood Mac, to name only a few.  
If you want to have a good meal in a gorgeous space shop by The Goddess and The Baker on Wabash and make sure you tell them The Fat Girl of Fashion sent you.



\




0 comments:

Black & White | UNDER $30

5:21 PM Unknown 0 Comments

Some things are just plain to see. Clean.  Simple.  Black and white with no areas of gray.  thefatgirloffashion.com would be one of those.  The little blog that could has a new look.  I'm very proud of the update.  I wanted the site to have a sleek and upscale look. With the content being the focus. I want readers to be able to connect with me easily.  I didn't want to take away all the color so I added a pop here and there. The revamped site inspired "Black & White Under $30."  Like the site it features cleans looks while still being affordable.  The website's affordable was achieved by doing the work myself.  I invested in my brand by learning the behind the scenes work.  I did all the web coding myself.  Self taught in under a week I present to you the new and improved thefatgirloffashion.com

Feel free to leave a comment on what you think of the site's new look.



Black & White | Under $30

0 comments:

AT THE MOVIES | STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

1:45 PM Unknown 0 Comments


I've been in what seems like a world wind  for the last week or so.  I'm fresh off a trip from NYC with Blogher and SheKnows media (which was great and post coming soon).  It seems like I stepped off the plane in just enough time to be one of the first people to see Straight Outta of Compton.  As a child growing up during the raise of N.W.A.  I am a fan.  Not so much of all of the music pushed out at the time but the over all message they stood for.  Their message was true to the times then just as much as it's sadly true to the times now.  Watching the movie took me back to my childhood as if I was sitting on my living watching it all unfold on my parents floor model TV.


I'll be honest.  I wasn't expecting much of this movie.  With poorly made documovies like Aaliyah and Whitney the bar for Straight Outta of Compton was set very low.  In my mind I was thinking, I'm going to see a group of guys that look like N.W.A. wearing all black while rapping over song of the past.  I was proven wrong.  The men of N.W.A. all had a story to tell.  Straight Outta of Compton grabs your attention for the second the film start.  It opens with a back story of  Eric" Easy-E" Wright.  I'm not going to tell you the movie but please take note of this DON'T COME LATE!!!  The movie then introduce us to Andre "Dr. Dre" Young followed by O'Shea " Ice Cube" Jackson.  Looking back now I'm even more amazed at their talent and business sense at such a young age.  Ice Cube being only 16 when he almost single handily wrote the group first album.  Or that Easy-E the only true gangster and drug dealer of the group funded the start of N.W.A. and Ruthless Records by himself.  Most of all I now recognize the genius that is Dr. Dre.  He had his hand as a founding father in 3 of the top record label in the country; Ruthless Records, DeathRow Records and his own current label Aftermath.
The movie touches on life in Compton, California starting in the late 80's in which these young men were starting on their music careers.  It speaks about how they felt they were being treated by their family and girlfriends.  It also speaks about how they navigated the daily struggle of dealing with gangs and the L.A.P.D.  It's a real life success story of boys from the hood who were able to make it out.


Straight Outta Compton shows a  brotherhood formed out of a collective dream that would later be broken up due to mismanagement and greed.  For me it made these men I've watched on media in one form or another real and relatable.  I honestly laughed and cried.  I also felt the anger of the injustice that was happening at the time.  This movie is not Glee or Empire.  It's an in your face look at 5 black young men from Compton bless with amazing talent from the musical Gods.  I encourage you to go see this movie.  In the movie theater on August 14th not on bootleg.  Support this movie with your dollars.  Tell the media our stories should be told on the big screen and when they are we will support them.


Random fact:
I had chosen sides in the beef between Ice Cube and N.W.A.  I was down with the Lynch Mob.  Ice Cube was my favorite and had the biggest crush on him.  I even "dated" a guy in my neighborhood because he looked like Cube.  LOL, lame.


Go to my YouTube and watch the Q&A session given after the preview of the Straight Outta Compton in Chicago.


POST UPDATE:

Pictures with #staightoutta have been everywhere if you haven't rep'd your city yet then head over to straightouttasomewhere.com and do so.
Make sure you tag me in your pictures.    



0 comments:

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)